1957-07-06: Tupolev TU-4 — Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP — Ivanovo-Severny, Russia

10 fatalitiesIvanovo-Severny, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

A crewed aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Strokino station during its final approach to Ivanovo-Severny Airport due to low approach speed and adverse weather.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward runway 29 at Ivanovo-Severny Airport, the flight encountered challenging meteorological conditions. As the aircraft was descending, it maintained an insufficient approach speed, which resulted in a loss of altitude. In an attempt to recover the necessary height, the pilot-in-command applied increased engine power; however, the low approach speed led the aircraft to strike trees before impacting the ground.

The wreckage was located in a heavily forested region situated approximately 5 km short of the runway, near the Strokino station. The impact resulted in the deaths of all ten crew members on board the flight.

Findings

  • Adverse weather conditions during the approach phase.
  • Insufficient airspeed maintained during the descent.
  • Impact with trees following a loss of altitude.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees and crashed after failing to maintain adequate approach speed during poor weather conditions.